Disclaimer: This information is from GM resources. It is presented here for
informative purposes only. GM and all related product identities, etc. are property
of GM. If you find an error in this information, or have comments, please contact
us.

The 2.8L 60° V-6 Engine was designed by Chevrolet and introduced in 1980
in the X-car platforms. These included the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Buick Skylark,
Chevrolet Citation, Oldsmobile Omega, and Pontiac Phoenix. It was designed to meet
federal fuel economy standards, new emmisions laws, and to provide a suitable powerplant
for smaller vehicles. Eventually, this engine found homes in Camaros, S-10 Blazers,
S-15's, Fieros, Cimmarons, Centurys, Firebirds, Jeeps, Isuzus, and even Mercury Marine.

The 60° V-6 engine's cylinders were offset 60° from one another due to
space limitations. Over the years, the 60° V-6 engine has proven to be a reliable
engine in many applications. It began as a 2.8L, then was changed to a 3.1L, and
finally to the 3.4L displacement. Throughout the years, there have been a
variety of motor mount , fuel pump location, ignition system, transmission mount, balance,
fuel delivery system, oiling system, and other changes.

The evolution of the 60° V-6 brought larger displacement and more
sophisticated engineering. The engine was so extensively changed in 1987, that the
new model was referred to as the "Generation II" engine. Improvements
included aluminum cylinder heads with splayed intake and exhaust valves, improved intake
porting, tighter operating clearances, distributorless ignition, a single serpentine belt
drive system for accessories, and numerous engine appearance improvements. The
Generation II Engine was only available in FWD vehicles.

In 1991, the 3.4 dual overhead cam (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder
version was introduced. This engine design included major improvements, with a base
horsepower rating of around 210.

There are many differences between the FWD, Mid-Mount, and RWD engines,
besides the different mounting locations. The cooling systems, water pump location,
cylinder heads, and intake manifolds are some of the major items that need to be taken
into account if you are intending doing a direct swap.

Here is a list that documents the changes GM made to this platform through
the years:

Well, hopefully this gave you some information about the history of this
engine. There has been both a pushrod and DOHC version of the 3.4 in the late 80's
and early 90's. ARI offers stroker kits for the 2.8L and 3.1L engines, as well as
providing a variety of machine shop services and performance parts for all of the GM 60°
V-6 Engines.